Body language expert Inbaal Honigman reveals that how you hold your steering wheel “may hold the key to who you are as a person.” 

According to Inbaal, those who favour the recommended ‘10 and 2’ position are likely to be people-pleasers, while those who hold the wheel at the bottom are ‘secretive.’

Watching the clock

One of the first things you’re taught when learning to drive is how to hold your steering wheel.

However, many motorists develop their own driving styles over time and begin to deviate from the recommended steering wheel grip.

Body language expert Inbaal Honigman believes the way you hold your steering wheel “may hold the key to who you are as a person”. 

Working with Scrap Car Comparison, Inbaal analysed the various ways drivers tend to sit while driving and hold their steering wheel to outline what each could say about a person’s personality.

According to Inbaal, “each driving position indicates a different personality type”. 

“The body language of driving as a whole is divided into a few different, compatible elements; location of hands, movement of arms, position of legs and also the speed with which the driver responds to changes on the road. Each of those components come together to describe the unique character of each driver”. 

10 to 2: People Pleaser

Taught by driving instructors around the world, holding your hands in the ’10 and 2 o’clock’ position ensures full control of a vehicle and allows for maximum efficiency when driving.

Inbaal says that people following this instructor-approved method will also likely be big ‘people pleasers’. 

“Holding your hands in the recommended way, isn’t about the breakdown of this specific pose, but about how you follow instructions to the letter, and not adapting or changing to suit different preferences, even years after learning how to drive.  

“The 10 and 2 o’clock position tells me one big thing about you: that you prefer to play it safe, you don’t want to take chances, and you will not let people down under any circumstances.  

“You likely also hold your fork correctly, tuck your shirt in, and leave your phone outside of the loo”. 

Both hands bottoming: Secretive

Other motorists, going against recommendations, will instead spend large portions of their journey with both hands nestled at the bottom of the steering wheel, in what could be deemed the 7 o’clock and 5 o’clock positions.

On the face of it, this position could be favoured by drivers who want to rest their arms.

However, Inbaal says this steering wheel grip is a big giveaway of a secretive personality.

“Those who keep their hands out of sight have secrets they would like to hide.  

“Grasping the steering wheel at its lowest point means that you don’t want to expand your body’s outline any more than is necessary. This shows that you keep your cards close to your chest and do not rush to give anything away”.  

Beyond this, Inbaal says this position could also be a sign that someone wants to be alone and feel safe.

“Your shoulders are tight and your elbows are tucked into your body with this position, which creates a self-soothing cocoon of protection. In keeping your whole body small and centred, you feel invisible, which makes you feel safe”. 

Quarter to three: Innovative

In recent years, many driving pros have said that motorists should ditch the traditional ‘10 and 2’ position, in favour of a slightly altered ‘9 and 3’ position, where your hands are positioned at each side of the wheel.

This allows for increased safety for airbag deployment, but also more driving comfort. 

Still a sure sign that you follow instructors, Inbaal suggests this is also a hint of an innovative streak.

“You’re a person who loves to be at the forefront of changes and innovations, your back is still straight, your head is still looking straight ahead, but you enjoy adjusting and stretching your sensibilities”. 

“If you were the first person on your block to own an air-fryer, you’re definitely a 9 and 3 o’clock driver.” 

One hand on top: Confident

On the flip side, people who instead naturally drive with one hand placed firmly on top of the steering wheel, will likely exude confidence in every area of their lives, not just behind the wheel.

Inbaal says that if you drive like this, you’re likely to be very secure in yourself, and will have a confident personality.

“Steering with one arm means that the other arm is resting by the side of the body. This chilled-out stance signifies a calm and secure demeanour. The one-hand-on-top driver is not nervous about being late, knowing that no party will really start before they turn up”.  

Crossed hands: Insecure

While the 10 and 2 positions or people that drive with one hand on top of the steering wheel are quite commonplace, another less obvious way people hold their steering wheel is to cross their hands.

Instead, resting their right hand at 10 o’clock and left hand at 2, meaning your arms will be crossed at the wrists. Inbaal says that this is a sure sign of insecurity.

“When we feel uncertain of ourselves, it is natural to try and cover our bodies by crossing our arms. Outside of the car, there are many physical gestures to suggest insecurity and a desire to hide – crossing both arms across the body, draping one arm across the chest, scratching our chin; all these poses have one role – to make us feel a little safer, by creating a barrier between ourselves and the world”.  

“When driving, there are not many ways for motorists to hide their bodies, so the crossed hands driving style is one of the best ways for the insecure driver to feel a little safer”.  

The way you sit

When it comes to a person’s driving style, it’s not just how you hold your steering wheel that could say a lot about who you are, with seating position also playing a part. 

Inbaal reveals that drivers who sit with their seat positioned close to the steering wheel are likely to be quite anxious personalities, favouring the close-to-the-dashboard position as a “self-soothing method… comforting for the anxious driver so they feel less exposed. The driver hugs the car, and the car hugs them right back”. 

In reverse, the drivers that opt for the reclined position with their seat far away from the wheel aren’t exactly just the relaxed, laid-back individuals they might seem.

“When you position your seat far away from the wheel, it means you’ll need to stretch your arms and legs all the way, to the point that you might be pedalling with the tips of your toes”.  

“This driving position – all extended legs, arms and fingers, means that you’re ready for the most extreme of outcomes. A driving position for the brave, making every moment of your drive into a fight for survival”. 

The importance of driving position and steering wheel grip

While people might recognise themselves in Inbaal’s body language breakdown, motorists should not get too relaxed behind the wheel.

Remembering the advice given when learning to drive is an important part of staying safe behind the wheel throughout your driving life.

 Matt Clamp, Customer Service Manager from Scrap Car Comparison, comments: 

“After years of driving or even simply during a particularly long drive, it can be tempting to drive in a way that feels more comfortable. As Inbaal points out, with everyone having different personalities and physical attributes, it can be difficult to adhere to the one-position-suits-all recommendations for driving. 

“However, when it comes to how you hold your steering wheel, those recommendations are there for a reason. With the ’10 and 2’ or ‘9 and 3’ steering wheel grips providing good control over the wheel itself, while also minimising the risk of injury in the event of the airbag being released. 

“Beyond this, sitting in a position that gives you control of the pedals and a full, clear view of the road as well as the dashboard display is always recommended, as maintaining safety on any drive is a must. If you’re ever so tired you feel the need to recline or sit far back in your seat, then you should instead be taking a break”.